With gratitude
Our Donors & Friends
The Happiness Farm grew from the kindness of friends. Their generosity built our farmhouse, planted our forests and changed our founder’s life. This page is our thank-you, with our deepest respect.
- 5,000native trees funded by our donors
- 35+years of friendship with Bhutan
- 2water tanks of 50,000 litres each for the young forest
Second mother & godmother
Dr. Nancy Strickland
Dr. Nancy Strickland has given more than 35 years to Bhutan. She has stood beside our founder from his education onwards, changed the course of his life, and supported the setting-up of The Happiness Farm.
To Dorji she is his second mother and godmother. Today we dedicate our deepest respect and gratitude to her, for her love, her guidance and her support.
Carrying Mike’s dream
Nina You
Nina You is the wife of the late Professor Michael (Mike) Hawley of MIT, our founder’s mentor, guru and dear friend. Mike had a deep respect and love for The Happiness Farm and believed in what it could become. Read Mike’s story.
Today Nina carries Mike’s dream and wishes for the farm forward. When we were building, she stood beside us with financial support, wise advice and steady friendship, and helped make our home a place we can share with guests.
With love and our deepest gratitude, we dedicate this to Nina and to Mike’s memory. Every guest we welcome here is part of the dream they shared with us.
3,500 trees & a 50,000-litre tank
Michiko Katagami & James P. Lynch
As part of their social responsibility, Michiko-san and James funded the planting of 3,500 native trees to reforest the slopes below the farm, and a large 50,000-litre water tank to keep the forest watered.
Their forest is growing back year by year, bringing birds, water and shade back to the valley. Thank you for this living gift.
1,500 trees & a 50,000-litre tank
Tim Wilson & Dr. Aoife Kennedy
Tim Wilson and Dr. Aoife Kennedy helped us plant 1,500 trees, and funded a large 50,000-litre water tank so the young trees have water through the dry months.
Their care keeps our new forest alive, and we are deeply grateful.
And to all our friends and family
To our dear friends and family in New Zealand and all around the world, and to every Tree Member: you are part of this farm. Every tree, every meal and every guest welcomed here carries your kindness.
Would you like to help the farm and the forest grow?